Have a wonderful Christmas.
~ Suzanne



Have a wonderful Christmas.
~ Suzanne
Since the release of my last novel, Rumer Has It, I’ve been a busy beaver. Not only have I been hard at work making notes on my next historical romance (to be published before Christmas), I’ve also taken care of a few other projects:
I spent time revising Duke of a Gilded Age and designing a new cover.
Blurb: When American-born Wesley Parker inherits a dukedom in 1890, he must be taught how to be an aristocrat. Assigned to the task is his attorney’s daughter, prim Belle Oakhurst. As they travel to England together on a luxurious ocean liner, their tempestuous relationship encounters more than rough seas. Neither Wesley nor Belle can foresee that their voyage across the Atlantic will be fraught with peril, and will cost more than one man his life.
I also designed a new cover for Spinster.
Blurb: Staring down life as an old maid, newly jilted Clare flees to a country home she’s inherited from her grandmother. She doesn’t count on clashing with her handsome neighbor, whose gentlemanly manners and education are at odds with his workingman’s image. As their relationship unfolds, however, she discovers the mysterious Meriweather Holcroft is not at all what he appears to be.
Jessamine’s Folly has a new cover as well.
Blurb: After her estate is entailed away, Jessamine Foster has no choice but to live with relatives who detest her. When her aunt gives her an ultimatum to leave, Jessamine accepts a position as companion to Lord Kirkendale’s sister—even though she’s been warned her predecessors can’t seem to resist the earl’s exceptional good looks. Can Jessamine manage to hold onto her job without losing her heart?
In addition, I’ve finally published paperback versions of all my historical romances, for those who enjoy the feeling of holding a good, old-fashioned book in their hands.
Furthermore, all four books in the Mannequin series are now available in the KindleUnlimited program.
Last, but not least, narrator Helen Taylor is preparing to record the audiobook version of My Fair Guardian, to be released before the end of the year.
Blurb: When Bethany is saddled with an unwanted, unrefined, and decidedly common guardian, she must polish him up before he’s fit for good society. As for Willoughby Winter, all that stands between him and his inheritance is to marry Bethany off. Can he succeed in his efforts before his past becomes known or will she manage to distract him from his goal—by hook or by crook?
Whew! While you are waiting for my next novel, I urge you to check out Rumer Has It. What are readers saying?
5-Stars!
Set in the Edwardian era, this is a fun enemies-to-lovers romance…
This was so very entertaining, and the romance is spicy sweet!
Talk to you soon. ~ Suzanne
Being a father is a tough, rewarding job. To all the fathers in the world, thank you for all you do.
Are you planning any road trips this summer?
Back in the olden days (the ‘60s), whenever the family took a road trip, my mother would stock up on a bunch of things to amuse the kids.
Comic Books
In addition, I had a supply of favorite paperbacks. The problem was, I would always get carsick when I was reading. In addition, I read too fast, so I always ran out of reading material. You can purchase paperbacks on the road, of course, but a great many of the books are of interest to truckers. The covers don’t necessarily reveal the contents, which is why I ended up purchasing some X-rated books by mistake!
These days, you can download books on ereaders, which is a wonderful thing, especially if you are an avid reader. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to loan your buddy or family member a great read.
In the last few years, audiobooks have also become increasingly available. The wonderful thing about audible literature is that you won’t get carsick from listening and you can’t read too fast. An eight hour book will last you eight hours, which is certainly long enough for a day’s drive or a cross-country flight.
Most of my books are now available in paperback format at Amazon HERE. I usually purchase paperbacks with my Amazon credit card points, so I feel like I’m getting something special for free. I also have many of my books on audio (Audible, Amazon, iTunes (HERE and HERE), with more on the way.
So, if you’re planning to travel this summer, be prepared to be entertained—one way or another.
~ Suzanne
Back in the era of black and white television, The Patty Duke Show reigned supreme. The premise revolved around a rambunctious American girl (Patty Lane) and her identical, sophisticated Scottish cousin (Cathy Lane), who comes to live with her extended American family. Although the two girls resemble one another, they are polar opposites in terms of their tastes and personalities, thus leading to conflict.
Perhaps my memories of the Patty Duke Show might have had a little to do with fashioning the premise for my Victorian novel, Rake & Romance. Inspiration comes from unlikely sources sometimes!
The cousins in Rake & Romance may resemble one another outwardly, but they could not be more different. Blackhearted Lord Gryphon is ungentlemanly in every respect whereas his cousin, Cody Gryphon, is everything worthy in a fellow–and a hero.
Like the first novel in the Beaucroft Girls series, a ruse is involved. Sweet and lovely Juliet isn’t quite as daring as her elder sister, however, and her efforts to create a creditable ruse don’t go quite as she plans.
Enjoy a sneak peek! ~ Suzanne
Excerpt:
Cody looked dashing and sophisticated in his elegantly tailored clothes, and Juliet was seized with an attack of nerves. Nevertheless, she cleared her throat and gave him a direct glance meant to convey a businesslike demeanor rather than one of coquetry.
“I’d like you to ruin me.” Despite her best intentions, her words were immediately followed by a blush. Why couldn’t she be more dispassionate?
His eyebrows rose. “What?”
“Just a little ruination, mind you. Nothing that can’t be hushed up in a few months or so.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not understanding you at all.”
“You’re aware, of course, of the arrangement between Lord Moregate and your father regarding Stephanie and Lord Elbourne.”
“Yes. My father is quite keen on the subject.”
“What you don’t know is that Augustus has been widely expected to propose to me.”
“Actually, I’d heard rumors to that effect.”
Juliet’s eyes widened. “I hope Stephanie hasn’t heard those rumors!”
“Not of which I’m aware.”
A sigh of relief. “Good.”
“I’m sorry for any injury this arrangement has done to you. I can tell you’re quite partial to Lord Elbourne.”
“I am partial to Augustus, and would have accepted his proposal if he’d asked. But after a careful examination of my feelings, I can truly say I’m not in love with him.”
“You’re not?” His eyebrows drew together. “If your feelings aren’t injured, then what’s this about?”
“Once society learns Augustus has thrown me off, I’ll become an object of ridicule. I mean to publicly throw him off before anyone hears about his engagement to Stephanie. For that, I need you to ruin me…ever so slightly.”
He looked at her askance. “Won’t your reputation be forevermore tarnished?”
“I’d rather be a little tarnished than humiliated, Mr. Gryphon. An earl is about to pass me over for another woman. Do you really think my prospects will be improved by such a spectacular rejection?” She averted her eyes. “If I’m to be ruined anyway, I’d rather choose the method.”
“Have you no thought to my reputation?”
She waved her hands, dismissively. “Stephanie says you’re a rake, doesn’t she? Therefore, nobody will think less of you than they already do now. Amongst your male acquaintances, I daresay the rumor of a passing indiscretion would be well received. Besides which, you’re leaving for Texas before too long, so what does your reputation matter?”
“Of course.” He folded his arms over his chest. “For the sake of curiosity, what sort of ruination did you have in mind?
Blurb: Juliet’s plans to wed Lord Elbourne come to naught when she discovers he’s obliged to wed an heiress instead. To salvage her dignity, she enters into a ruse with the heiress’s brother, whom she views as a rake. Unfortunately, he’s also the most attractive man she’s ever met.
Cody Gryphon will do anything to see his sister Stephanie wed to Lord Elbourne, including entering into a temporary engagement with her romantic rival. Although he intends to return to Texas as soon as his sister is wed, he finds it increasingly difficult to resist Juliet’s charms.
Can a rake and a debutante find their happily ever after?
Rake & Romance is available via this Universal Link, Google Play, or in paperback format.
When Bethany is saddled with an unwanted, unrefined, and decidedly common guardian, she must polish him up before he’s fit for good society. As for Willoughby Winter, all that stands between him and his inheritance is to marry Bethany off. Can he succeed in his efforts before his past becomes known or will she manage to distract him from his goal—by hook or by crook?
Release Date: April 30, 2019. Buy your preorder copy HERE for $0.99!
I’m not much of a cook, so when I find something that works, I stick with it. This No Recipe Sauteed Broccoli came about when I had pan-seared some chicken with various seasonings and I decided to reuse the oil to sauté broccoli (so I wouldn’t have to wash the pan in between). All the dish requires is olive oil, seasoned salt, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and broccoli cut into florets. I make sure the florets are cut in half so that they will cook properly, and they take somewhere between five minutes and ten minutes to sauté, depending on whether you like your broccoli harder or softer.
Perhaps I’m easy to please, but after the broccoli is eaten, I feel like licking the plate. ~ Suzanne
No Recipe Sauteed Broccoli
• Olive oil
• Broccoli florets (freshly washed and cut in half)
• Seasoned salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
Pour oil into a heated nonstick pan, sprinkle in seasonings to taste, throw in broccoli and toss it in the oil to make sure the pieces are thoroughly coated. Continue to sauté until the broccoli is cooked just the way you like it. I tend to cook it about seven to ten minutes.
Happy Halloween! I have a few treats to announce…
“Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.” – Samuel Johnson
After her estate is entailed away, Jessamine Foster has no choice but to live with relatives who detest her. When her aunt gives her an ultimatum to leave, Jessamine accepts a position as companion to Lord Kirkendale’s sister—even though she’s been warned her predecessors can’t seem to resist the earl’s exceptional good looks. Can Jessamine manage to hold onto her job without losing her heart?
To honor a promise made to his dying father, Lord Kirkendale agrees to an arranged marriage to a woman he cannot love. Although he is resigned to a life without sentiment, the arrival of his sister’s new companion awakens a slumbering passion. Can he find a way to secure his own happiness without sacrificing his family’s honor, or will his broken promise result in the ruination of the person he loves most?
This hopelessly romantic, blush-free Edwardian-era romance is now available at your favorite online bookstore! Click the universal link HERE.
After a riding accident leaves Sybil’s brother, Ash, physically and emotionally devastated, she breaks off a courtship to devote herself to his care. Unfortunately, the one girl who could save Ash from his increasing melancholy has been whisked off to London by her ironfisted guardian. When a handsome stranger offers Sybil the chance to recover Euphemia, she dives headlong into a clandestine scheme fraught with danger. As the rescue unfolds, deceit and mysteries are brought to light, the bonds of friendship are tested…and passion is unleashed. Can Sybil manage to save her brother without losing her heart to a man she cannot marry?
Enjoy your 4th of July! May fun, family, and fireworks be the order of the day.
~ Suzanne
I put together this author trailer, featuring my books. Enjoy, and have a Happy Mother’s Day! ~ Suzanne